Chapter 04 of 5
The Difference Principle
When is inequality actually 'just'? The criteria for fair disadvantage.
- The Dilemma
Beyond Perfect Equality
If everyone is paid the same, motivation might stall. Rawls asks if some inequality could actually make everyone better off.
- Core Definition
The Difference Principle
Social and economic inequalities are only justified if they result in compensating benefits for everyone, especially the least advantaged.
- Rational Choice
The Incentive Gap
Higher pay for surgeons or engineers is acceptable only if it encourages them to provide services that benefit the poorest members of society.
17 more cards in this chapter
Could you answer this?
According to the Difference Principle, when is an unequal distribution of wealth considered 'just'?
⚖️ Rawls’s Veil: The Thought Experiment for Justice
- 01The Original PositionStep behind the Veil to design a society without knowing your own identity.
- 02The Maximin RuleExplore the logic of choosing the best of the worst-case scenarios.
- 03The Liberty PrincipleWhy basic rights must come before any economic or social advantage.
- 04The Difference PrincipleWhen is inequality actually 'just'? The criteria for fair disadvantage.
- 05The Justice AuditApply the Veil of Ignorance to critique and redesign real-world policies.